Since becoming MP for Mid Norfolk back in 2010, I have actively worked with local community groups and councillors to promote a more local and organic model of development – one that doesn’t allow aggressive out-of-town developers to abuse the planning system and keep on dumping large, inappropriate and unsustainable developments on our towns and villages. (For full details, please visit my website here).
However, planning doesn’t just mean houses. It can also mean local businesses, industry and even infrastructure. While we want to see our local economy thriving (especially those traditional sectors that our area is so closely tied to), we need to ensure that growth is done positively, rather than at the expense of the rural way of life that we all hold so dear – and which makes Mid Norfolk such a wonderful place to live, work and visit!
That’s why I have been following closely the news that a solar farm application is being proposed near both Little Dunham and Great Dunham.
As a local Member of Parliament, I do not have the power to directly intervene in or influence individual planning applications – which are, rightly, the responsibility of the local district councils and their democratically elected councillors. However, it is within my remit to help constituents ensure their views are being recorded, considered and heard – and that’s something I have always taken extremely seriously throughout my years working on behalf of Mid Norfolk.
Having received correspondence from a number of constituents, as well as taken the time to read through the feedback documented on the Breckland Planning portal, it is clear to me that there are particularly strong views amongst many in Little Dunham and Great Dunham. It is also clear though that those views are divided, with many in favour of the solar farm application and many also against it.
Such is the strength of those local opinions, I have therefore written to the Leader of Breckland Council to highlight some of the key points that have been raised with me by those on both sides of the debate – to ensure that the Planning Committee members are aware of them when the time comes for them to consider whether or not permission should be granted for the application.
See a copy of my letter below.
While I am unable to take a firm view on this application (given the lack of an overwhelming view from one side or the other, as well as my ministerial role), I am determined to do what I can to ensure ALL of Mid Norfolk is heard.
I will continue to follow developments around this application closely.